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DIY refreshing summer popsicles

This yummy little DIY could not have come at a better time. It’s been Hot with a capital H this week in L.A.—and apparently in Texas too, where this Apryl Ann Photography and Cakewalk Bake Shop tutorial comes to us from. But on the plus side, rising temps are a great excuse to make refreshing treats for friends and family—and nothing fits the bill better than an icy-cold popsicle, the ultimate throwback summer treat. Read on for all the deets on how to make these grownup ice pops, flavored with green tea and fresh herbs. They’re every bit as refreshing as anything you ever pulled out of your grandma’s freezer, but a whole lot prettier too…

Ingredients/Supplies:– 2 to 3 cups lemonade
– 2 to 3 cups green tea, room temperature
– 1 cup simple syrup (to make your own simple syrup, mix one part sugar with one part water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil and let cool.)
– a handful of fresh mint
– fresh edible flowers (as many as you like; available at specialty grocers)
– pop molds (this mold was purchased on Amazon for under $20)
– Popsicle sticks

Step 1: Mix equal amounts green tea and lemonade into a spouted vessel (for easy pouring). Add a splash (to taste) of simple syrup to cut the tartness of the lemonade. Mix it up well!

Step 2: Pour the tea-lemonade mix into the pop molds, only filling to about 1/3. You must freeze the pops in phases, otherwise the fun stuff (flowers and mint) will all float to the top of the mold, leaving you with a mostly solid-looking pop.

Step 3: Carefully place a few flowers and mint leaves into the pop mold, dunking them into the tea-lemonade liquid. You may choose to use a fork or butter knife for this, or just go all in with your fingers.

Step 4: Freeze each layer for at least two hours so that the layer is completely set before you add the next, otherwise your carefully preserved flowers will float on up to join their friends in the next layer. Only partially freeze the second (middle) layer for 30 minutes to an hour so that you can place the Popsicle stick in. You are looking for an almost slushy-like texture with enough thickness to hold the stick in place. Insert the stick and pop it back into the freezer to continue to freeze solid before adding the final layer. If adding a sliced lime, this would be the layer to do so. For each layer, repeat steps 3 and 4. Let the entire pop freeze for at least 6 hours before sharing with friends.

Step 5: To remove the pops, let them sit at room temp for a few minutes to loosen up, then gingerly wiggle them free.

This was such a fun project and Apryl Ann captured it beautifully, as always! Thank you so much for sharing, 100LC! Love love love your blog! Per Angela's q -- you can actually find edible flowers with other boxed/fresh herbs in finer grocer stores. Not sure where you are located, but in TX I can always find them at the HEB Central Market and sometimes Whole Foods. Vodka does not freeze unless using a specialty freezer or liquid nitrogen, but there are lots of fun creative ways to serve with alcohol - placing each pop in a glass or cup with champagne or vodka is a simple, fun approach. Cheers, y'all!